Converted But Still Frugal

Welcome to "The Budget Organic." I'm a mom of four who recently converted to "Organicism." Within the past year I've truly become horrified to discover what is happening in America's food system.

BUT before that, I'll be honest, I was your typical citizen. I would hear the horrors of processed foods and think, critically, "I would never feed my children bologna" (pat on the back). Little did I know that today, when we hear "processed" that could mean bread, oatmeal, yogurt, cheese - you name it, it's processed! I'm ashamed to admit it, but I actually thought "organic" was a conspiracy to charge more money for the same fruits and veggies I was already buying (sad, I know).

So flash forward to today, where although I want to feed my children the healthiest, least toxic foods, I'm still a bargain shopper that finds it very hard to justify paying twice the price for organic. I make choices, some of them probably not the same ones you might make, but it does take extra money to eat healthy, especially for a family of six!

This blog is about trying to "Go Organic" on a budget. I'll post coupons, post outlet stores that are selling organic items, and just rant about the complexities of what should be fairly easy - eating healthy, chemical free food (most of the time)! And I'll be honest - even when I slip and let the kids eat (gulp!) McDonald's!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Doesn't Get Cheaper Than Free

"The best things in life are free..."  And in this case, it's so true!  Stonyfield Farms, makers of organic yogurts, milk and ice creams, has a rewards program that offers free organic products, cool magazines, and other eco-conscious products.  There is no cost to sign up, and you don't need a gazillion points to start earning products.  A meager 15 points can earn One Free KOYO Ramen, 20 points can earn a YoBaby or YoToddler multipack and subscription to KIWI magazine.  Points per product vary, but range from one to five points.  The rewards program is slated to end December 31 (although they may extend it) so eat that yogurt fast! 

The Stonyfield site also offers generous coupons, like up to $1.00 off one multipack of yogurt.

My husband was bummed to know that Stonyfield doesn't come in flavors like Apple Turnover or German Chocolate cake.  But, Stonyfield also doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup or aspartame in it's ingredient list, so the trade-off is worth it!  

www.stonyfield.com
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3 comments:

  1. UnknownAugust 24, 2010 at 7:24 PM

    Awesome blog! We definitely need to support eachother to be greener which includes buying local and organic as much as possible. I shop at Pathmark. Pathmark just began carrying a new brand called Green Way. I was able to get organic salsa for a little over $2 which is similar to others. I also bought organic shredded cheese in the bag. It was pricier but worth it. We have to stay away from the pesticides, preservatives, hormones, and antibiotics.

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  2. UnknownAugust 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM

    Oh and Green Way also makes organic tortilla chips, popcorn and other snacks. The cheese popcorn (like Smartfood) and tortilla chips only cost me $1.99 each. Not bad. My kids loved the popcorn. We didn't open the tortillas yet.

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  3. ElizaFAugust 26, 2010 at 1:27 PM

    This is a great motivator to me to be more organic! Now that Wesley has come along, I think I'm more aware of food and everything in it. My friend even got me a baby food maker so maybe I can help him eat better (better than I ever do now!). You are an amazing mom!

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